Brandon, Virginia is a small town located in the western part of the state. It is bordered by Bedford, Virginia to the north, Lynchburg to the east, Roanoke to the south, and Botetourt County to the west. Brandon’s population was estimated at 4,936 in 2019.
Bedford is a large city located just north of Brandon. It has a population of nearly 7,000 people and is situated along the James River in central Virginia. The city was founded in 1752 and was an important commercial center during colonial times. Bedford became an independent city in 1968 and today it is best known as being home to several historic sites such as Poplar Forest (Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat) and National D-Day Memorial (commemorating those who served during World War II).
The city features a variety of attractions including numerous parks such as Liberty Lake Park and Smith Mountain Lake State Park where visitors can enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, biking and swimming; museums like the Bedford Museum of Natural History; historic sites like Avenel Plantation House built in 1790; art galleries like Art on Main Street; theatres such as The Lyric Theatre; shopping areas including downtown Bedford; wineries like Chateau Morrisette Winery & Vineyards; breweries like Liberty Brewing Company; plus much more!
Bedford is also home to several annual events including “Music on Main” which takes place every Friday evening from May through September featuring live music from local artists; “Festival on Main” held annually in June with arts & crafts booths, food vendors and live entertainment; “Christmas on Main” held each December featuring carolers strolling down main street singing Christmas songs plus lots of other holiday themed activities for all ages!
With its rich history and diverse range of attractions – Bedford is an excellent destination for visitors looking for something unique or simply wanting to explore all that central Virginia has to offer!
Population of Bedford, Virginia
Bedford, Virginia is a large city located in the central region of the state. It is bordered by Lynchburg to the east, Roanoke to the south, and Botetourt County to the west. The city was established in 1752 and had an estimated population of nearly 7,000 people according to 2019 estimates.
The population of Bedford is fairly diverse. According to the 2019 US Census Bureau data, about 33% of the population identifies as White non-Hispanic or Latino, 11% as African American or Black non-Hispanic or Latino, 1% as Asian non-Hispanic or Latino, and 2% as other race or two or more races non-Hispanic or Latino. The remaining 53% are Hispanic/Latino individuals of any race.
In terms of age demographics, 30% of Bedford’s population is under 18 years old while 11% are between 18 and 24 years old and 12% are between 25 and 44 years old. The median age in Bedford is 36 years old with a median household income estimated at $63,749 per year in 2019.
Bedford also has a large veteran population with approximately 531 individuals who served in the military according to 2018 data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, there are many families living in Bedford with children under 18 years old accounting for roughly 28% of households according to 2019 estimates from the US Census Bureau data.
Overall, Bedford has a diverse population that contributes to its vibrant culture and community atmosphere making it an excellent destination for visitors who want to explore all that central Virginia has to offer!
Schools and Education in Bedford, Virginia
Bedford, Virginia is home to a variety of schools and educational institutions that provide students with an excellent education. The Bedford County Public School system serves the city, offering a comprehensive selection of elementary, middle, and high schools. Check topschoolsintheusa for high school codes in Virginia.
The district includes 11 elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools: Liberty High School and Staunton River High School. The student-teacher ratio at these two high schools is 14:1 according to 2019-2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.
In addition to public school options, Bedford also has several private school options including Bedford Christian Academy, a K-12 Christian school; Liberty Christian Academy, a K-12 non-denominational Christian school; and Staunton River Montessori School which offers preschool through 6th grade education.
Bedford is also home to several higher educational institutions including Central Virginia Community College which offers associate degrees in various fields of study as well as noncredit courses for personal or professional development. Additionally, the University of Lynchburg has a satellite campus in Bedford which offers bachelor’s degrees in various fields such as business administration, nursing and criminal justice.
Bedford also has many opportunities for adult learners looking to further their education or gain new skills with courses offered through local community organizations such as the Bedford Adult Learning Center or through online programs offered by regional universities such as Liberty University Online or Old Dominion University Online.
Overall, Bedford provides students of all ages with an array of educational opportunities that can help them reach their academic goals!
Places of Interest in Bedford, Virginia
Bedford, Virginia is a beautiful city that offers visitors a wealth of places to explore and enjoy. From historic sites to outdoor recreation, there are many things to do in Bedford that will appeal to all ages and interests.
For history buffs, Bedford has several attractions including the National D-Day Memorial which honors those who fought during World War II, the Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest which was once owned by the third president of the United States, and the Peaks of Otter which offer breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of Bedford’s natural beauty by exploring Smith Mountain Lake State Park where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, camping and hiking activities. Or they can explore Peaks Wildlife Management Area where they can observe a variety of wildlife such as deer and wild turkeys.
For those looking for something more cultural there is Bedford Museum which offers exhibits on local history and culture as well as art galleries featuring works from local artists. Additionally, visitors can also attend events at Big Island Community Center such as concerts or theatrical performances.
Bedford also has several wineries in its vicinity including Villa Appalaccia Winery & Vineyard where visitors can sample some delicious local wines while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding countryside. And for those looking for some retail therapy there are several shopping centers located throughout town such as Liberty Station Shopping Center or The Pines Shopping Center.
Overall, Bedford is a wonderful destination for visitors looking to explore all that central Virginia has to offer!
